Keuka Outlet 10/10/26

At the last EBS meeting, it was decided to move the Johnson Rd trip ahead a few weeks to Dec 5^th, with the hope that we would have more owls on that site on that date. The replacement trip for this October date was to go to the Keuka Outlet Hopeton Rd starting point, and bird that area of the trail system. It turned out to be a good choice, as 7 members of the club had a great time finding and identifying species in some very active spots. Steve and Lori V, Lyn, Rich, Carol, Steve and Linda B were busy ferreting out the White-throated Sparrows, Yellow-rumps, both Kinglets, Black-capped Chicadees, Nuthatches, Am Robins galore, Carolina Wrens calling, … Just good fun birding. There was even some talk of breaking out the camp chairs and just birding from one spot. One highlight was a team effort to ID a female Common Yellowthroat. Thanks to Lyn for spotting it in the first place. Also a Song Sparrow was singing a loud and clear ‘warbling’ song that seemed pretty creative to our ears, but we clearly saw it singing, so you can learn something new everyday.

Our hunger pangs were timed perfectly to go to Seneca Farms in Penn Yan, and have it all to ourselves for the most part. The grandmother behind the counter was eager to share her birding enthusiasm, and her grandson was helping, and ended up on chicken costume duty out by the road trying to drum up business. Naturally we cheered him on.

Side Notes:

Steve V and I scrambled to the top of 'Sugarloaf'.  A shale butte that did not erode away when this valley formed.  Steep and challenging climb but interesting views from its flat top. (50' elevation above the trail below?) Steve V noticed a handmade stove under an overhanging ledge, so if you need a place get away from it all for a bit..........

On the way home, Linda and I stopped by Kashong Cons. Area to bird a bit midday. It had some busy moments as well and we added Eastern Towhee and Nashville Warbler to the day list.

Steve B

  Keuka Lake Outlet Trail--Hopeton Rd., Yates, New York, US

Oct 10, 2026 8:13 AM - 10:25 AM

Protocol: Traveling

0.579 mile(s)

22 species

Canada Goose  4

Double-crested Cormorant  1     Flyover

Red-bellied Woodpecker  3

Downy Woodpecker  4

Pileated Woodpecker  1

Northern Flicker  1

Blue Jay  10

American Crow  6

Black-capped Chickadee  6

Tufted Titmouse  3

Ruby-crowned Kinglet  5

Golden-crowned Kinglet  2

White-breasted Nuthatch  3

Carolina Wren  6

Gray Catbird  2

American Robin  25

American Goldfinch  1

White-throated Sparrow  5

Song Sparrow  1

Common Yellowthroat  2

Yellow-rumped Warbler  1

Northern Cardinal  3